Blog Post

A Message From Rev. Carl Robinson
The Spring Association Gathering is in the books. I had promised that it would be the most unusual Association Gathering people had ever attended. Two persons told me that they had been at stranger judicatory gatherings but went into no detail.

Ours was odd, no doubt. We used the occasion to begin the work of establishing a network of community and neighborhood ministries throughout SONKA. Every congregation representative was asked to share, in writing, what the congregation does to establish a just world for all through the practice of three great loves: love of neighbor, love of children, and love of Creation. They did this around tables filled with persons from other congregations. I could see the network being formed, as people shared with one another what their congregation does in their communities and neighborhoods.

If you were not present and wondering, the process consisted of four pages. The first listed the church name, contact information, and the representative who was supplying the information. The second page offered persons the opportunity to list everything the congregation they represent does for love of neighbor. The third page asked the same for love of children. The fourth addressed ministries around our love of Creation. Because we want to include everyone in the network, those who were unable to attend the meeting can access the worksheets here: ‘Establishing The Network‘. Please fill out the sheets and return them, by the end of May, to the Association Office (note the address change).

Starting in June, the information will be collated into ministry categories and shared on the SONKA website. Each of us will be able to see for ourselves the richness and depth of community and neighborhood ministries throughout SONKA. Our hope is that the network begins to foster sharing between and collaboration with UCC congregations, where we can all work together to make what each of us does even better.

Now the real work of network formation begins! I hope you are as excited as I am about the potential of this effort.

Spring Gathering
We would like to thank everyone who came out to take part in the Spring Gathering. It was a day full of positive energy, highlighting the work being done by each our association churches!

Both offerings taken at the Gathering were a success. For the first offering with 100% going to SONKA OCWM we received $1,190 and three $100 IOU’s. That makes a total of $1,490.

The second offering that will be split between Defiance College and SONKA OCWM raised $723 ($361.50 to each.)

Again, thanks to all of you for joining us!

Safe Church Resources Now Online
In January 2018 SONKA recognized the intense interest and many common questions from congregations in regards to keeping their churches safe. The site: Safe Church Resources is intended to provide useful resources from those workshops to local churches, and to be a repository of information to share among all our churches. Please click the link above to learn more!

Discounted Rate Continues For Church Camp Registration
In honor of the opening of Templed Hills the camp is excited to continue the early registration rate as a Celebration Discount for Summer Camp 2018. Sign up by May 21 to CELEBRATE the return to Templed Hills and take advantage of the lowest registration rate!

Basic Interim Ministry Training
A three day training is coming up May 8-10. Learn more here.

International Gathering Of Biblical Storytelling By Heart
The Network of Biblical Storytellers, International brings storytellers from across the world to the annual Festival Gathering. This year, the Festival Gathering will occur at the Marriott at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio from August 1-4, 2018. Learn more here!